Silver Road and Golden Stripes, Yet Another Football TL
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Quarter-Finals 2001-02
The Netherlands kicked off these Quarter-Finals, and despite a second-place finish, they inherited an easy pool 1 seed with Uruguay. The Oranje squad proved to be as solid as expected, and easily advanced after two victories over the Celeste. They would cross paths with France yet again, as the french honoured their status as favourites, and despite an early loss against Spain, they 3-0'd their way towards the Semi-Finals.
The Mannschaft's woes continue in the Quarter-Finals. Despite an impressive performance by Oliver Kahn, this wouldn't be enough to let the Germans through, with Argentina squeezing in one goal, allowing them to keep their 1-0 victory in Buenos Aires to validate their ticket for the Quarters. And while everyone expected a South American reunion, it wasn't to be as Ireland got the better off of the Selecao, forcing a draw in Belo Horizonte, then keeping a 0-0 draw in Dublin to qualify for their second Semi-Final appearance ever.
France's Zidane in action against Spain's Guardiola (front) and Helguera (back) during the return leg of their confrontation in Nantes.
The Mannschaft's woes continue in the Quarter-Finals. Despite an impressive performance by Oliver Kahn, this wouldn't be enough to let the Germans through, with Argentina squeezing in one goal, allowing them to keep their 1-0 victory in Buenos Aires to validate their ticket for the Quarters. And while everyone expected a South American reunion, it wasn't to be as Ireland got the better off of the Selecao, forcing a draw in Belo Horizonte, then keeping a 0-0 draw in Dublin to qualify for their second Semi-Final appearance ever.
France's Zidane in action against Spain's Guardiola (front) and Helguera (back) during the return leg of their confrontation in Nantes.
Semi-Finals 2001-02
There wouldn't be any redemption for the Dutch after their two losses against France in the second group stage. Despite holding on at home, the French got the upper hand on their own soil, and although the scoreline doesn't reflect it, it should have been a greater loss for the Oranje. France would therefore advance to face Argentina, who beat Ireland twice by a single goal, although the Irish fought to the bitter end.
French and Dutch players in action during the opening leg of the Semi-Final.
French and Dutch players in action during the opening leg of the Semi-Final.
Final 2001-02
France were the overwhelming favourites for this final of the Nations League, whereas Argentina were looked upon as the underdogs, having reached the final thanks to an easy route. However, it was the Albiceleste that struck first and dominated the early stages, with stark striker Batistuta managing to put a shot on the bar, followed by one saved by Barthez a few minutes afterwards. France reacted slowly, but managed to get chances of their own, with the closest one seeing Vieira heading in a ball barely saved by Cavallero.
The second half finally saw the first goal, and it wasn't from the expected winners. Zanetti found his way through the right side of the french defense, passing the ball to Santiago Solari, who was left without options. However, an error from french defender Desailly made that Batistuta was unmarked for a second, allowing Solari to deliver him a perfect ball, and the Argentine striker didn't falter. With a swift strike, he scored the first and last goal of his team during this final. Despite every attempt by the French to come back, the Albiceleste held, and the final whistle blew on a 1-0 scoreline in favour of Argentina, who won their fourth title.
Argentina's Veron in action during the early stages of the match
Argentina's Gabriel Batistuta celebrates scoring the only goal of the final.
French players lie distraught after the final whistle is blown
The second half finally saw the first goal, and it wasn't from the expected winners. Zanetti found his way through the right side of the french defense, passing the ball to Santiago Solari, who was left without options. However, an error from french defender Desailly made that Batistuta was unmarked for a second, allowing Solari to deliver him a perfect ball, and the Argentine striker didn't falter. With a swift strike, he scored the first and last goal of his team during this final. Despite every attempt by the French to come back, the Albiceleste held, and the final whistle blew on a 1-0 scoreline in favour of Argentina, who won their fourth title.
Argentina's Veron in action during the early stages of the match
Argentina's Gabriel Batistuta celebrates scoring the only goal of the final.
French players lie distraught after the final whistle is blown
2001-02 Stats & 02-03 Intro
Winners: Argentina - 4th title
Top Scorer: Robbie Keane (IRL) - 10 goals
2002-03 Participants:
Europe: Spain (46), France (31), Germany (48), England (46), Portugal (19), Italy (47), Turkey (2), Denmark (19), Netherlands (30), Republic of Ireland (10), FR Yugoslavia (35), Belgium (17), Sweden (31), Czech Republic (7), Croatia (9), Romania (18), Russia (8)
South America: Brazil (48), Argentina (46), Colombia (11), Paraguay (6), Uruguay (12), Ecuador (1)
North America: Mexico (24), United States (6), Costa Rica (2)
Africa: Cameroon (1), Nigeria (2), Senegal (1), South Africa (6)
Asia: South Korea (2), Japan (4)
Final Location: Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Groups & Seeding:
Group A: Germany, Ireland, South Korea, South Africa
Group B: Mexico, Colombia, Czech Republic, Costa Rica
Group C: England, Netherlands, Paraguay, Nigeria
Group D: Spain, Italy, Sweden, Ecuador
Group E: Brazil, Turkey, Uruguay, Croatia
Group F: Argentina, United States, Belgium, Senegal
Group G: France, FR Yugoslavia, Japan, Russia
Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Cameroon, Romania
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FIFA Cup 2001-02
Israel v Australia 2-2 / 0-1
Nigeria v Ivory Coast 6-1 / 2-2
Honduras v Angola 0-0 / 0-4
Denmark v Finland 0-0 / 2-1
Turkey v Ecuador 2-0 / 2-0
England v Belgium 2-0 / 1-1
Peru v Hungary 0-2 / 1-5
South Korea v Ukraine 3-1 / 0-1
Egypt v Croatia 2-0 / 0-3 aet
Slovenia v Jamaica 4-0 / 0-0
Scotland v South Africa 3-0 / 3-4
Chile v Morocco 3-0 / 1-2
Cameroon v Greece 1-1 / 0-4
Tunisia v Iran 6-1 / 2-0
Saudi Arabia v Austria 2-4 / 0-1
Slovakia v Bulgaria 1-3 / 0-0
Australia v Nigeria 1-0 / 0-6
Angola v Denmark 1-0 / 0-2
Turkey v England 3-0 / 0-4 aet
Hungary v South Korea 0-1 / 2-2
Croatia v Slovenia 2-2 / 1-0
Scotland v Chile 4-0 / 0-0
Greece v Tunisia 4-1 / 0-3
Austria v Bulgaria 5-0 / 1-2
Nigeria v Denmark 1-0 / 0-2
England v South Korea 2-1 / 0-1
Croatia v Scotland 1-1 / 0-0
Tunisia v Austria 0-2 / 2-2
Denmark v South Korea 7-0 / 0-0
Scotland v Austria 6-1 / 0-0
Denmark v Scotland 1-0
Winners: Denmark - 1st title
2002-03 Participants:
Europe: Slovenia (3), Norway (13), Poland (16), Finland (9), Ukraine (4), Slovakia (6), Greece (31), Georgia (4), Iceland (5), Israel (27)
South America: Chile (27), Peru (23)
North America: Honduras (15), Trinidad and Tobago (4)
Africa: Tunisia (21), Morocco (24), Egypt (30), Ivory Coast (21), Ghana (22)
Asia: Iran (24), Saudi Arabia (13), PR China (9)
Oceania: Australia (23), New Zealand (2)
Final Location: Finnair Stadium, Helsinki
Bracket Order
Morocco v New Zealand
Iran v Ghana
Trinidad and Tobago v Israel
Poland v 6th Best 3rd-Placed
2nd Best 3rd-Placed v Georgia
Ukraine v Ivory Coast
Norway v Chile
4th Best 3rd-Placed v Australia
Finland v Slovakia
Slovenia v Peru
Tunisia v Greece
Honduras v 5th Best 3rd-Placed
Egypt v 7th Best 3rd-Placed
Saudi Arabia v Iceland
3rd Best 3rd-Placed v PR China
1st Best 3rd-Placed v 8th Best 3rd-Placed
Nigeria v Ivory Coast 6-1 / 2-2
Honduras v Angola 0-0 / 0-4
Denmark v Finland 0-0 / 2-1
Turkey v Ecuador 2-0 / 2-0
England v Belgium 2-0 / 1-1
Peru v Hungary 0-2 / 1-5
South Korea v Ukraine 3-1 / 0-1
Egypt v Croatia 2-0 / 0-3 aet
Slovenia v Jamaica 4-0 / 0-0
Scotland v South Africa 3-0 / 3-4
Chile v Morocco 3-0 / 1-2
Cameroon v Greece 1-1 / 0-4
Tunisia v Iran 6-1 / 2-0
Saudi Arabia v Austria 2-4 / 0-1
Slovakia v Bulgaria 1-3 / 0-0
Australia v Nigeria 1-0 / 0-6
Angola v Denmark 1-0 / 0-2
Turkey v England 3-0 / 0-4 aet
Hungary v South Korea 0-1 / 2-2
Croatia v Slovenia 2-2 / 1-0
Scotland v Chile 4-0 / 0-0
Greece v Tunisia 4-1 / 0-3
Austria v Bulgaria 5-0 / 1-2
Nigeria v Denmark 1-0 / 0-2
England v South Korea 2-1 / 0-1
Croatia v Scotland 1-1 / 0-0
Tunisia v Austria 0-2 / 2-2
Denmark v South Korea 7-0 / 0-0
Scotland v Austria 6-1 / 0-0
Denmark v Scotland 1-0
Winners: Denmark - 1st title
2002-03 Participants:
Europe: Slovenia (3), Norway (13), Poland (16), Finland (9), Ukraine (4), Slovakia (6), Greece (31), Georgia (4), Iceland (5), Israel (27)
South America: Chile (27), Peru (23)
North America: Honduras (15), Trinidad and Tobago (4)
Africa: Tunisia (21), Morocco (24), Egypt (30), Ivory Coast (21), Ghana (22)
Asia: Iran (24), Saudi Arabia (13), PR China (9)
Oceania: Australia (23), New Zealand (2)
Final Location: Finnair Stadium, Helsinki
Bracket Order
Morocco v New Zealand
Iran v Ghana
Trinidad and Tobago v Israel
Poland v 6th Best 3rd-Placed
2nd Best 3rd-Placed v Georgia
Ukraine v Ivory Coast
Norway v Chile
4th Best 3rd-Placed v Australia
Finland v Slovakia
Slovenia v Peru
Tunisia v Greece
Honduras v 5th Best 3rd-Placed
Egypt v 7th Best 3rd-Placed
Saudi Arabia v Iceland
3rd Best 3rd-Placed v PR China
1st Best 3rd-Placed v 8th Best 3rd-Placed
Groups A-D 2002-03
Everyone thought Group A would be a walk in the park for Germany, but once more the Mannschaft failed to pass this hurdle in the Nations League. It was indeed South Korea who topped the group, with a strong defense and solid tactics to play from behind, whereas the Irish, Semi-Finalists last year, confirmed their status as dark horse of the tournament by kicking out Germany thanks to their two big wins over South Africa, who ended dead last.
The Czechs absolutely cruised through Group B, winning all six games, including all three away games by one single goal. Meanwhile the Latin American squads scrambled for second place, with Mexico ending ahead thanks to their victories over Costa Rica, while Colombia fumbled and will have to go take their chances in the FIFA Cup.
Group C saw England finally exceeding expectations. With a clean record and only two draws against the Dutch, David Beckham's squad took first seed in the group, while the Dutch disappointed, with their only two wins being over Nigeria. However, Paraguay had an even worse record, plunging to the FIFA Cup and letting the Oranje through to the next round.
Spain had pressure to perform after their last Nations League, but it was their turn to disappoint. With a terrible showing in the group stages, the Rioja dropped to the lower echelon and the FIFA Cup, while first timers Ecuador were swiftly eliminated. Italy bounced back from their quick exit last year and too first seed, while Sweden also advanced in second place.
After a successful World Cup, South Korea looked to make history as they advance to the Second Group Stage of the Nations League
To FIFA Cup:
Germany (3), vs Georgia
Colombia (13), vs Egypt
Paraguay (26), vs 1st Best 3rd-Place
Spain (2), vs PR China
The Czechs absolutely cruised through Group B, winning all six games, including all three away games by one single goal. Meanwhile the Latin American squads scrambled for second place, with Mexico ending ahead thanks to their victories over Costa Rica, while Colombia fumbled and will have to go take their chances in the FIFA Cup.
Group C saw England finally exceeding expectations. With a clean record and only two draws against the Dutch, David Beckham's squad took first seed in the group, while the Dutch disappointed, with their only two wins being over Nigeria. However, Paraguay had an even worse record, plunging to the FIFA Cup and letting the Oranje through to the next round.
Spain had pressure to perform after their last Nations League, but it was their turn to disappoint. With a terrible showing in the group stages, the Rioja dropped to the lower echelon and the FIFA Cup, while first timers Ecuador were swiftly eliminated. Italy bounced back from their quick exit last year and too first seed, while Sweden also advanced in second place.
After a successful World Cup, South Korea looked to make history as they advance to the Second Group Stage of the Nations League
To FIFA Cup:
Germany (3), vs Georgia
Colombia (13), vs Egypt
Paraguay (26), vs 1st Best 3rd-Place
Spain (2), vs PR China
Just like other teams, they'll have their ups and downs. France and Brazil are up there right now, but they'll fall off a cliff post-2006. On the contrary, Spain and Germany will rise and start to dominate the early 2010s.
Groups E-H 2002-03
Group E was an easy enough path for the South American squads. Brazil steamrolled through, getting three wins and three draws, while Uruguay got the bare essentials to advance to the second group stage. Croatia on the other hand secured a FIFA Cup spot thanks to their win over Turkey, who dropped out of the competition after getting rattered for their first ever participation.
As titleholders, Argentina were expected to breeze through their group, but this wasn't to be. Like Germany and Spain, despite being favourites, they would still drop, but unlike their unfortunate companions, not be able to save themselves in the FIFA Cup. Despite their 7 points, the Albiceleste plunged out of both tourneys, letting Senegal through to the FIFA Cup, while the impressive USA got first seed over Belgium.
France also easily handled their group, clinching first despite their last-day loss to Yugoslavia. Japan proved that they were a force to now be reckoned with as they clutched the second seed, getting three wins and a draw out of the four remaining games to Yugoslavia, who were dropped to the FIFA Cup, and Russia, who were eliminated outright.
Portugal were expected to get out, but not with so much difficulty. The Selecao did get to the second group stage, but Portugal were only second to Denmark, who realized a clean group stage. Romania on the other hand had to settle for the FIFA Cup, while first timers Cameroon were unceremoniously eliminated.
Japanese and Russian players duke it out in Group G.
To FIFA Cup:
Croatia (4), vs Honduras
Senegal (4), vs Paraguay
FR Yugoslavia (8), vs Poland
Romania (19), vs Australia
Second Group Stage:
Group A: Denmark, Italy, Uruguay, Belgium
Group B: South Korea, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Sweden
Group C: Republic of Ireland, Portugal, England, France
Group D: Mexico, Brazil, United States, Japan
As titleholders, Argentina were expected to breeze through their group, but this wasn't to be. Like Germany and Spain, despite being favourites, they would still drop, but unlike their unfortunate companions, not be able to save themselves in the FIFA Cup. Despite their 7 points, the Albiceleste plunged out of both tourneys, letting Senegal through to the FIFA Cup, while the impressive USA got first seed over Belgium.
France also easily handled their group, clinching first despite their last-day loss to Yugoslavia. Japan proved that they were a force to now be reckoned with as they clutched the second seed, getting three wins and a draw out of the four remaining games to Yugoslavia, who were dropped to the FIFA Cup, and Russia, who were eliminated outright.
Portugal were expected to get out, but not with so much difficulty. The Selecao did get to the second group stage, but Portugal were only second to Denmark, who realized a clean group stage. Romania on the other hand had to settle for the FIFA Cup, while first timers Cameroon were unceremoniously eliminated.
Japanese and Russian players duke it out in Group G.
To FIFA Cup:
Croatia (4), vs Honduras
Senegal (4), vs Paraguay
FR Yugoslavia (8), vs Poland
Romania (19), vs Australia
Second Group Stage:
Group A: Denmark, Italy, Uruguay, Belgium
Group B: South Korea, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Sweden
Group C: Republic of Ireland, Portugal, England, France
Group D: Mexico, Brazil, United States, Japan
Second Group Stage 2002-03
This would be the last second group stage of the Nations League, with the 2003-04 format heading towards a Round of 16 elimination bracket rather than a second lengthy group stage, cutting down games in late winter and early spring from a rough six to an easier two. Group A was the first to yield its results, with Belgium annihilating everyone much to the surprise of bookmakers, not even letting a point slip through. Things were tight for second place, but Denmark eventually got it, right under Italy's noses.
No miracle for the Koreans in Group B. Despite a good showing, the Asian squad was outclassed by the Europeans, with the Dutch holding strong yet again as they solidified their position as a strong Western group. Sweden fell short, but the Czech Republic, until then greatly underestimated, managed to pull off a second-place finish.
England also fell flat. Placed in a difficult Group C, the Three Lions were yet again put down by their dreaded neighbours Ireland, who held onto two draws and defeated first place France to secure their spot in the Quarter-Finals. At least England did finish above Portugal, who completely fell flat in their quest for a spot in the Top 8.
Finally, Brazil did end up clutching a spot in the Quarter-Finals, but not as first seed. Indeed, the Selecao was pushed around by a bright Mexican squad, which completely shattered expectations. Mexico ended up taking first, while Brazil had to deal with the US and Japan in order to barely qualify for the next round.
Mexican and American players battle it out in Group D.
Quarter-Finals:
Ireland v Mexico
Brazil v Belgium
Czech Republic v France
Denmark v Netherlands
No miracle for the Koreans in Group B. Despite a good showing, the Asian squad was outclassed by the Europeans, with the Dutch holding strong yet again as they solidified their position as a strong Western group. Sweden fell short, but the Czech Republic, until then greatly underestimated, managed to pull off a second-place finish.
England also fell flat. Placed in a difficult Group C, the Three Lions were yet again put down by their dreaded neighbours Ireland, who held onto two draws and defeated first place France to secure their spot in the Quarter-Finals. At least England did finish above Portugal, who completely fell flat in their quest for a spot in the Top 8.
Finally, Brazil did end up clutching a spot in the Quarter-Finals, but not as first seed. Indeed, the Selecao was pushed around by a bright Mexican squad, which completely shattered expectations. Mexico ended up taking first, while Brazil had to deal with the US and Japan in order to barely qualify for the next round.
Mexican and American players battle it out in Group D.
Quarter-Finals:
Ireland v Mexico
Brazil v Belgium
Czech Republic v France
Denmark v Netherlands
Quarter-Finals 2002-03
None of the Quarter-Finals were even close. Ireland had hopes when they drew Mexico at home, but these hopes would be cruelly dashed during the return leg, where the Mexicans proved to be merciless and qualified for the Semi-Finals. Similarly, Denmark beat the Netherlands in the opening leg, only to be run over in the return leg. The Cezchs didn't nurture such hopes, being beaten at home and away by France, while Belgium were the only first seed to fall, being beaten twice by Brazil.
Brazil's Roque Junior scores for the Selecao against Belgium during the opening leg of the Quarter-Final between the two teams (2-1)
Brazil's Roque Junior scores for the Selecao against Belgium during the opening leg of the Quarter-Final between the two teams (2-1)
Semi-Finals 2002-03
The Semi-Finals were much closer than the Quarters, and started off with a huge upset. Indeed, in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, Mexico defeated Brazil for the second time this tournament, albeit by s hort margin. Unable to get out of a draw during the return leg, Brazil fell down as Mexico headed towards their first ever final.
The other Semi-Final was even closer, with neither France or the Netherlands gaining the upper hand in either game. In the end, things would be decided on away goals, as France drew 1-1 in Rotterdam, while the Dutch could only hold a 0-0 in St.Denis, sending France through.
Mexico's Jared Borghetti celebrates as he scores Mexico's only goal at home, allowing his team to eventually make it to the final.
The other Semi-Final was even closer, with neither France or the Netherlands gaining the upper hand in either game. In the end, things would be decided on away goals, as France drew 1-1 in Rotterdam, while the Dutch could only hold a 0-0 in St.Denis, sending France through.
Mexico's Jared Borghetti celebrates as he scores Mexico's only goal at home, allowing his team to eventually make it to the final.
Final 2002-03
This year's final was hosted in the Middle East, under scorching heat. However, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi exceptionally funded a retractable roof especially for the event in order to preserve the players from collapsing under the hot sun. Mexico came in as full underdogs, but despite being down 1-0 early on in the game, they managed to equalize thanks to Luis Hernandez. In a gruelling first half, the Mexicans stood strong and looked to push France all the way. However, the second half would completely dash their hopes. After a good first 10 minutes, the French started ramping up, and Henry scored the liberating goal thanks to a cross from Zidane. This liberated the french, who went on a spree, with Petit scoring a header ten minutes later, while Dugarry soon made it four. With nothing left to lose, Mexico pushed, and managed to score one to save their game. However, France wanted to end on a high note, and Henry made it 5 to give France's 7th Nations League. This would mark the end of the French golden generation though, as they would win their last Nations League for 15 years.
Mexico's Luis Hernandez equalizes after only 15 minutes of play in the final
France's Thierry Henry is congratulated by Zidane as he scores France's fifth and final goal of the final
French captain Zidane poses with the trophy after the game
Mexico's Luis Hernandez equalizes after only 15 minutes of play in the final
France's Thierry Henry is congratulated by Zidane as he scores France's fifth and final goal of the final
French captain Zidane poses with the trophy after the game
2002-03 Stats & 03-04 Intro
Winners: France - 7th title
Top Scorer: Jon Dahl Tomasson (DEN) - 11 goals
2003-04 Participants:
Europe: France (32), Spain (47), Netherlands (31), Turkey (3), England (47), Germany (49), Italy (48), Czech Republic (8), Ireland (11), Denmark (20), Portugal (20), Belgium (18), Romania (19), Sweden (32), Norway (10), Croatia (10), Serbia and Montenegro (36), Greece (2), Slovenia (1)
South America: Brazil (49), Argentina (47), Paraguay (7), Colombia (13), Uruguay (28)
North America: Mexico (25), United States (7), Costa Rica (3)
Africa: Cameroon (2), Nigeria (3), Senegal (2)
Asia: Japan (5), South Korea (3)
Final Location: Estadio da Luz, Lisbon
Groups & Seeding
Group A: Spain, Czech Republic, Belgium, South Korea
Group B: Brazil, Germany, Costa Rica, Slovenia
Group C: Netherlands, Portugal, Colombia, Croatia
Group D: England, Denmark, Paraguay, Nigeria
Group E: Argentina, Ireland, Sweden, Uruguay
Group F: France, Italy, Romania, Greece
Group G: Mexico, United States, Japan, Senegal
Group H: Turkey, Cameroon, Norway, Serbia and Montenegro
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